Climate-smart cities could save the world $22tn, say economists

Green buildings and better infrastructure would not only spur economic growth but also cut carbon emissions equal to India's annual output

Putting cities on a course of smart growth - with expanded public transit, energy-saving buildings, and better waste management - could save as much as $22tn and avoid the equivalent in carbon pollution of India's entire annual output of greenhouse gasses, according to leading economists.

The Global Commission on Climate and Economy, an independent initiative by former finance ministers and leading research institutions from Britain and six other countries, found climate-smart cities would spur economic growth and a better quality of life - at the same time as cutting carbon pollution.